If you have spent any considerable amount of time in customizing the default look and feel of Vista/Windows 7 without using third-party tools , you probably know how to take ownership of a file or folder in Vista and Windows 7. Windows 7 and Vista's file permissions is managed by the Trusted Installer and it is the owner of all Windows system files. So, Windows 7/Vista doesn't allow any user even the Administrator to modify (rename, delete, move) those system files. Sometime for tweaking, you might need to rename, replace or move the system file in Windows operating systems. But it needs to otake wnership of a file and grant full control permission before modifying it. Otherwise, a pop-up message will show you Access is denied in Windows.

Meet TakeOwnership Pro, a freeware tool that lets you fix those pesky ‘Access Denied’ or ‘Cannot Delete File’ errors in a snap. The program has a simple and easily understandable interface, sports lightweight design and runs great on all Windows versions from Windows Vista onwards. Read on to find out how it works.

The installation process of TakeOwnerShip Pro is easy and straightforward. The install package file itself is quite small and doesn’t carry any unnecessary bloatware. It comprises a simple ‘click Next’ wizard. Once you’ve installed the program to your computer, you can start taking ownerships of files and folders right away. You can drag and drop a file or folder on to it, or use the Browse button to do the same.

When you select a folder, you can choose to edit the permissions of all sub-folders in it via the pertaining checkmark. Once the folder or file has been selected, click Take Ownership and wait for the on-screen prompt shown below. You will now be able to delete or access the apps that you previously couldn’t.

In this guide, we will show you how to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows 8:

Download the Take Ownership zip file .

Extract the zip onto the desktop to get Install Take Ownership and Uninstall Take Ownership files.

Double-click on Install Take Ownership file and click Yes for the prompt. You have just added Take Ownership option to the context menu!

To take ownership of a file or folder, right-click on the file or folder, and then select Take Ownership option. You are done!

Key Features & Benefits

Absolutely free.

Take ownership of your files from right-click context menu.

Support all Windows system (32-bit & 64-bit).

Simple and intuitive graphic interface.

Drag your desired folders or files to the program and you can grant yourself access rights quickly.

Easily take ownership through right-clicking the folders or files that you're denied access.

Fix the "Cannot Delete" or "Access Denied" problems even though you was logged in as the Administrator. .

Take ownership of multiple folders or files at one time.

TakeOwnershipPro is 100% free for both personal and commercial use.

Compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP.

Full install/uninstall support.

NOTE: The Take Ownership zip file that you have downloaded also includes an uninstall file. Simply double-click on the Uninstall Take Ownership file and click Yes for the prompt to remove Take Ownership option from context menu (right-click menu).